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Tucked amid London's busy streets and buildings, being a roughly six-minute walk from the Ministry entrances, is St. James's Park. Covering 57 acres and featuring a small lake with two islands, there is plenty to explore. Entering the park from Horse Guards Road to the east, one will find themselves near a park pavilion and quaint cottage. From the Mall to the north is a gate kiosk, drinking fountain, and a tiny coffee shop. Walking far enough west, one will stumble upon the Vitoria Memorial, Buckingham Palace, and the park's playground. The rest of the park provides a number of trails and a bridge that gives access across the lake from the south end of the park to the north.

On a sunny day, the park is a perfect getaway, especially during one's lunch break or after clocking out of work. It is is an excellent place to have a picnic under the shade of a tree, enjoy watching the waterfowl and resident colony of pelicans idly swimming in the lake, or go for a stroll or a run along the trails with a friend before having to venture back into the loud, bustling city.

Olly was having similar thoughts to those James was having right now. They'd have to get along, what with working so closely together. Besides, so far he seemed alright. From what she'd seen. Which wasn't a whole lot, aside from the few times they'd met over the winter break to fix some things around their level in the Ministry. Hopefully he'd be as easy to work with in the future as well. They had quite a few collaborations lined up this year.

....he was earning MAJOR brownie points with Evie at the moment though.

Olly smiled at him when he addressed her daughter. "This is Evie." Say hello, Evie.

"......and this is Schuyler. My wife." She added when Schuyler joined them, leaning into her a little. It had been such a great idea to come to the park today, hadn't it? "This is James Draper, the new Creatures department head. I told you about him." Sort of. She'd surely MENTIONED him at home, yeah? If she hadn't, she trusted Schuyler NOT to bring that up.

"Did you get us food?" She was starting to get hungry.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArianaBlack

Smart kid, he (Caleb) was. They’d have a formal introduction eventually. But for now, James was trying to make his escape.

An escape that would have to wait just a liiiiiiiiiiittle bit longer now that he was stuck in the middle of the least requested reunion episode of all time. James gave Yoongi the same look as he had when they were playing the Professor-Student game. One that said ‘you always fall just short of surpassing expectations’. ”Eight years and you’re lucky I even remember you at all.” It was mean, yes. But it was a joke. For the most part. There was some sort of underlying, serious aspect. ”No, how could I ever forget you? Always a pleasure to have in class, offering… unique perspectives.” It was…. a stretch. Unique didn’t mean they were good. But at least the boy showed up. That was more than what he could say for some of his schoolmates.

Why was he surprised? Easy. ”You put down the hair cream long enough to land yourself a job at the ministry,” he wasn’t even being sarcastic or anything. He was genuinely impressed. Again, for the most part. Which was saying something, as this was Big Headedboy they were talking about here! ”Was this always your plan?” James was sure that the self-absorbed child would’ve wanted to try… modeling or something. Perhaps he just didn’t have the face for it. Or maybe he had grown. There were first times for everything!

Like exhibiting genuine kindness. Something which James didn’t often find himself leaning into. Children were different though, the young ones at least, he had a soft spot for those. They somehow managed to find a way to melt his otherwise stone-cold heart. Yes, yes. He had one. Sometimes. ”Hello Evie, you’re very well behaved. I’m sure your mother loves that,” he gave her foot another wiggle before looking up at Olly.

And…. Olly’s wife (Schuyler). Oh. This was good to know. Best to avoid any awkward interactions with loved ones, you know? This was a face James would make an extra effort to remember. ”Pleasure to meet you,” he smiled before reaching his hand out. Merlin, this was far too much socialization. How much longer until he could… LEAVE?

”How long have you been married?” he asked the couple. If he had to take a guess, he’d say no more than four years. They were still happy. No one was that happy in a marriage.

Speaking of LEAVING, the day was slowly shifting into evening and with the sun starting to set… leaving inconspicuously was becoming a real option here. James wasn’t about to prolong it any more than he had to. Taking his opportunity, he graciously excused himself and began making his way—

Bumping straight into a stranger (Ariadne) on his way out.

”My apologies…” he trailed off. She wasn’t a stranger. He knew this face.

This very attractive face, he may add. ”… I know you from somewhere…”

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lislchen

Olly watched James interact with Evie, an easy smile on her lips. This was a good start into their working relationship, wasn't it? It also indicated that he wouldn't have a problem with her bringing her daughter to work occasionally. That was very good to know. She had no interest in getting into an argument with him about something like that after all. Plus, she REALLY wanted to show Evie their new café on their level.

Which was about the only positive thing she could think of for that place.

In total Schuyler was spending a whole lot more time with Evie which was why Olly was kind of hogging her this afternoon. Now James had met her entire family. Had he come with anyone, too? Not that she cared but she felt like it was convenient to know these things just in case his partner ever showed up on their level. As for her and Schuyler's wedding. "Three and a half y-"

"-ears."

Oh no.

Olly almost handed off Evie to Schuyler and apparated home when she noticed Charles making his way over to them, looking VERY EXCITED. Seeing as she was an adult and also a rather capable and responsible department head, oh, and also a PARENT, she didn't run away from the situation but simply put on a smile really quickly when the Minister stopped in front of them.

"Minister." What a pleasure to see him. Not really. She respected him, though, and he was doing a very good job so far so obviously she didn't say anything. Also it was the MINISTER, you know. "This is Evie." Olly said instead, giving him a polite smile as she leaned in a little so he could get a better look at their daughter.

Somehow Evie was a bit of a shield, wasn't she?

------------------------

.......and then there was Charles' speech.

Which, based on the time of day, could only mean one thing. Nodding for Schuyler to sit down on their picnic blanket again, she listened to the Minister talk. They weren't expected to stand up right? They had a CHILD with them after all. One who was actually quiet during the short speech. Well done, Evie. She used her daughter's hand to "cheer" for the upcoming World Cup, seeing as she was probably expected to react in some way. She also WAS genuinely excited for the Quidditch World Cup.

Olly, that is. Evie probably couldn't care less.

"Look!" Olly said to both Schuyler and Evie when the fireworks started going off, a big smile on her lips. It had been a pretty decent afternoon, hadn't it? She was glad that they'd decided to start the event earlier so they wouldn't be out too late. That way they could ALL be here, all three of them.

And yes, she was completely unaware of the fact that the "dragon" appeared to be heading for someone in particular.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Draper," Schuyler answered with a soft smile, shaking his extended hand. "Olly complains about you all the time." It wasn't true, of course, but the woman couldn't help but insert a little teasing into the conversation after her wife had made such a point of stating that she'd mentioned him. Love you, wifey.

Mr. Draper wasn't all stiff and stupid about how to act around a child, so he did get points for that. She lifted the picnic basket when Olly inquired about food. "Mhm, and quite the assortment." As she snaked her hand into the basket, she lifted her face to the vibrant fireworks exploding over their heads. It was perhaps poor timing, however, that she seemed to lower her eyes to the contents of the basket just as said dragon was beelining toward a guest.

Where were those bananas she had grabbed for Evie.....

__________________

I've got this energy beneath my feet like something underground's gonna come up and carry meI've got this sentimental heart that beats, but I don't really mind that it's starting to get to me

Lyra felt himself drifting off in hunger as he sat there. He felt much less nervous in the presence of this person. Opening up the picnic basket, he responded "Yeah, I guess this job is just important to me." And then he started eating.

"Well, good," Kendra said with an approving nod. "That's a good attitude to have about your job in the Ministry. I'm sure you'll be an asset to whatever department you're in." She knew he wasn't one of hers though. There was only one new hire in Transportation and he was not it. But it sounded like he had a nice, strong work ethic. They could definitely use more of that everywhere, even if he was far more nervous than he needed to be.

"Good luck," she added before looking for her own picnic basket and her companion for the evening. This thing was going to be over before she even got anything to eat.

A nod? Megan certainly was confused. Maybe the guy (Milo) knew her from somewhere and she couldn’t place him. Oh well. The nod was returned. Maybe she would remember how and if they knew each other later.

“It’s going great. Don’t look so surprised. I don’t think a lot of us forgot you.’’ Megan grinned. “You bet I am! How about you? Did your family come with you?’’ She looked around as though hoping to see a neon sign with the words ‘Bear Ronstadt’s family’ printed on it.

Megan thought that her vision was going or at the very least, she was for some reason about to pass out. Still, she went on speaking to Caleb. “No worries, you get to mix and mingle freely tonight. You married?’’ That’s when he looked up at the sky. “What’s going on?’’ she asked rhetorically.

“TO THE MINISTRY!’’ the blond enthusiastically shouted when the Minister had finished his speech. OH WOW! Just look at the fireworks! She was SPELLBOUND on them *___*

Alyssa leaned back and watched the sky as the fireworks went off with an amused smile. She'd honestly kind of missed them. She hadn't been to a show since Mark had passed and they were making her surprisingly sentimental to remembering her belated fiance. At least this was a reminder of him that didn't make her want to sob. She was already quite homesick despite being closer to her family, but she at least was enjoying to introduction to her new job.

Brodie kept his gaze far from the fireworks, he genuinely hated the loud thunder it caused anymore... Probably because he had nine children at home that caused enough ruckus without the excess noise... Of course he loved his family and enjoyed spending time with the all of them... but really he seemed to be downing more pain medicines to keep headaches away than usual, even with most of the kids out of the house and at Hogwarts.

Maybe that's why he wanted to step up at work, try to get away from all the stress the children caused him and try to focus on his job a bit more and hopefully a lot better.

Well done, Flamsteed. The situation had at least not become increasingly awakward from the comment - or at least he had not understood things to have escalated - so he merely offered Emilia another nod of the head and gentle sort of smile.

THANKFULLY, no more pleasantries were necessary as the Minister gave his speech - though he kept his cheers mostly to himself - and soon the fireworks display launched. A few of which he had personally doctored up himself. He really ought to have insisted that Medea come with the kids - Aries in particular would have enjoyed the display.

............but that dragon?!

"Sweet solstice," he hissed through his teeth, fumbling his pockets for his own wand.

------------------------------

Thankfully, one Charles Hollingberry did not need to wait nor panic at all before the display went off. Impeccable timing. OUTSTANDING. Quite pleased by the fruits of his team's labors coming in to proper fruition, the Minister offered a no-so-quiet golf clap while nodding his head. He wife had loved fireworks and he felt a tug on his heart and enough of one that made him need to pat his pockets for his handkerchief so he could dab his misty eyes.

However, BEFORE he could retrieve it Charles immediately noticed that something was amiss. Since when had they ordered for a dragon firework? Since WHEN did fireworks move TOWARDS the audience?SINCE WHEN DID FIREW----

Everything clicked in an instant and his bright blue eyes moving towards Toussaint and Shacklebolt whom, thankfully, already had their wands drawn and protective enchantments being put in place.

Olivia would be relieved that all gushing would cease here as the man dismissed himself to move swiftly closer and flourishes his own wand while casting a few silent protective enchantments himself to add to the fray.

__________________

like a small boat on the ocean sending big waves into motion.............
like how a single word can make a heart open...................
I might only have one match but I can make an explosion.............

As the dragon moved across the crowd, the body of sparks was full of different coloured explosions that seemed friendly and fun. But in it's wake, it left a veil of light smoke across the rest of those in the park as it headed towards the target. It breathed out fire as it circled the Senior Undersecretary, hot and explicitly wanting to isolate her.

Those that were alert had recognised instantly that something was amiss in the sky when the dragon had appeared, but the flames would sure enough draw their attention to the threat at their happy and joyous celebration.

The quick thinking of the aurors worked in their favour as the real flames distorted against their shields into harmless sparks surrounding them. But this was not over yet. The dragon twisted in on itself and within seconds had separated into five separate ones. Two of them drew back, breathing fire into an x in the sky just above January. X marks the spot, it would seem. The three left sped towards the shields in an attempt to break them but the force of them rendered the fireworks useless and they shattered into sparks that fell to the floor.

With a loud roar, the two dragons left flew high into the sky and exploded in a flash of bright blood red before the sky was still and eerily silent.

elephant-astic•wanderlust•stay in the ninedaaaysthe original Taco Belle•look at the flowers✿

"What in the world?" Emilia was quickly learning that there would never be a dull moment working for the ministry of magic. Her wand was out in an instant and she stayed close to Airey Flamsteed, trying to protect him in some way, as if the man wasn't completely capable of it himself. She just felt like she needed to...for reasons.

...What a day.

This wasn't quite the family friendly fireworks show that it appeared to be, apparently, and the botanist got to her feet, standing close to January, who she was quickly learning was the target of the rogue dragon. No offense to the woman, but she wasn't the ideal picnic mate, did she know? Mariana drew her own wand as the aurors moved in to protect the woman she was sharing a blanket with, and cast her own shield, figuring it could only help them. Suddenly she was really relieved her sister wasn't here if here meant any sort of danger.

Her brown eyes grew wider as one dragon turned to many, each ominous and headed right for the Senior Undersecretary. She wondered if the woman was scared, because she was. Shaking like a leaf, actually, and it showed. She didn't sign up for this.

As the last of the fireworks failed to break through the protections in place and the deafening silence fell over the crowd, the brunette gently put her hand on January's arm, seeking contact and offering comfort in the only way she could, as she didn't have any words at the moment.

"I can't. I'm working." Angelo pointed out. He couldn't pretend to 'have fun' right now. The whole thing was just inconvenient and not the easiest area to keep safe either. And the darkening sky? That had him on high alert of course. Was it paranoia? Maybe. He did squeeze Evie's hand but then the next thing he knew the fireworks were coming this way.

Not paranoia.

He was on his feet in a moment and right in front of the Senior Undersecretary, but when he brought his wand up he aimed upward, knowing that Evie would be doing her part to shield January Bones directly. A double shielding for the Senior Undersecretary, in essence. The shield Angelo cast was silvery and solid looking, cutting through the air like a blade. It pushed upward and outward hard and fast, forming a protective bubble over the people in the immediate vicinity. He grit his teeth, all his focus on the fireworks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Announcer

As the dragon moved across the crowd, the body of sparks was full of different coloured explosions that seemed friendly and fun. But in it's wake, it left a veil of light smoke across the rest of those in the park as it headed towards the target. It breathed out fire as it circled the Senior Undersecretary, hot and explicitly wanting to isolate her.

Those that were alert had recognised instantly that something was amiss in the sky when the dragon had appeared, but the flames would sure enough draw their attention to the threat at their happy and joyous celebration.

The quick thinking of the aurors worked in their favour as the real flames distorted against their shields into harmless sparks surrounding them. But this was not over yet. The dragon twisted in on itself and within seconds had separated into five separate ones. Two of them drew back, breathing fire into an x in the sky just above January. X marks the spot, it would seem. The three left sped towards the shields in an attempt to break them but the force of them rendered the fireworks useless and they shattered into sparks that fell to the floor.

With a loud roar, the two dragons left flew high into the sky and exploded in a flash of bright blood red before the sky was still and eerily silent.

As Angelo stood to cast a shield to block the dragons, Evangeline stepped in front of the Senior Undersecretary and cast a shield over the woman. Their job was to protect her, and that's what they would do. The shield was large enough to protect others in the vicinity, but the dragons were focused on her.

Evangeline focused on her shield, watching the dragons separate and multiply. Whoever had planned this had been quite thorough with their firework charms. The multiple dragons didn't weaken Evangeline's focus or magic and the Senior Undersecretary was protected from the fire. And at last, the auror watched as the dragons flew up and exploded, her eyes squinting slightly at the burst of bright light.

It was over and they were safe. But she was still on alert, just in case.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TakemetotheBurrow

This wasn't quite the family friendly fireworks show that it appeared to be, apparently, and the botanist got to her feet, standing close to January, who she was quickly learning was the target of the rogue dragon. No offense to the woman, but she wasn't the ideal picnic mate, did she know? Mariana drew her own wand as the aurors moved in to protect the woman she was sharing a blanket with, and cast her own shield, figuring it could only help them. Suddenly she was really relieved her sister wasn't here if here meant any sort of danger.

Her brown eyes grew wider as one dragon turned to many, each ominous and headed right for the Senior Undersecretary. She wondered if the woman was scared, because she was. Shaking like a leaf, actually, and it showed. She didn't sign up for this.

As the last of the fireworks failed to break through the protections in place and the deafening silence fell over the crowd, the brunette gently put her hand on January's arm, seeking contact and offering comfort in the only way she could, as she didn't have any words at the moment.

It had been a while since January had been worried about a threat. They had just waited long enough to let her feel just a little bit more comfortable... and then released dragons on her. She was thankful that her aurors were just as vigilant as ever and ready to protect her. January had her shield up the whole time as well, making sure to extend it to Mariana, her blanket-mate, since she was unwillingly put into the situation.

Her heart had been racing, but she knew that the spells by the aurors would protect her. After what seemed like a lifetime, January watched the dragons burst into a bright flash of red... and then they were gone. She was thankful that the light had disappeared, because her face started to flush red, from embarrassment and anger. They had targeted her at a public event, where they could have hurt anyone.

After exchanging grateful glances with Evangeline and Angelo, January felt something warm touch her arm and glanced back to see her picnic partner. "Are you alright?" she asked immediately, turning her attention to her? "I'm sorry..." That wasn't really a great way to start off a friendship, was it?

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Draper," Schuyler answered with a soft smile, shaking his extended hand. "Olly complains about you all the time." It wasn't true, of course, but the woman couldn't help but insert a little teasing into the conversation after her wife had made such a point of stating that she'd mentioned him. Love you, wifey.

Mr. Draper wasn't all stiff and stupid about how to act around a child, so he did get points for that. She lifted the picnic basket when Olly inquired about food. "Mhm, and quite the assortment." As she snaked her hand into the basket, she lifted her face to the vibrant fireworks exploding over their heads. It was perhaps poor timing, however, that she seemed to lower her eyes to the contents of the basket just as said dragon was beelining toward a guest.

Where were those bananas she had grabbed for Evie.....

OI!

So much for a good working relationship. James knew that Schuyler was only joking right? He better. Olly gave her wife a LOOK but didn't quite manage to narrow her eyes at her properly. It was Schuyler after all. Also the mother of their child. Who gave a small squeal right then, leaving Olly simply looking a little amused instead. She was the cutest child around, wasn't she?

After the Minister's speech, the fireworks didn't surprise Olly seeing as she'd been part of the planning committee of this event. What DID surprise her, however, was that dragon. She couldn't quite remember that it was going to be part of the fireworks but at first also didn't question it too much. Honestly, she had NOT looked at the list of fireworks they'd bought because she couldn't care less if there was-

"Schuyler!!" This had turned BAD and quickly. The moment the Aurors and January had lifted their wands, Olly had drawn hers too, casting a shield. They seemed to be far enough away from January to be in the direct line of fire (quite LITERALLY) but that didn't mean they weren't in any danger.

What was............

Olly watched, staring as the incident unfolded, while also taking another few steps away from the Senior Undersecretary. She seemed to be protected enough, besides Olly had her own family to protect (which, incidentally, included James Draper in that moment, you're welcome, James). After what felt like hours but was probably only a minute or two, the excitement was over and she was left with......silence and a feeling of uncertainty.

Was January okay? She was talking to one of Olly's new employees at least so she didn't look hurt. Her eyes went from January to Charles, then back to Schuyler next to her. What had just happened? "Maybe you should go." She eventually said softly, holding out Evie to her wife. Just in case something else was going to happen. She did NOT want Schuyler nor Evie anywhere near that.

Angelo didn't let his shield drop until the dragon... the dragons dispersed. He watched the X marking above January, his expression unreadable. It seemed like many of the people there didn't even realise what had happened - to them it was just part of the show. His eyes searched out the Minister and he gave the older man a quick nod then stepped closer to the Undersecretary.

"I'm sorry to interrupt." A nod to the woman that January was with. "We need to go now, Ma'am." His wand was still out and it was staying out. They needed to go. He looked at Evie, trusting her to disapparate January out of there. He'd follow and make sure nobody else did.

"Drama queens," was Ronan's response to the whole fireworks incident. Honestly, you'd think people had never seen such a display before. As for the dragons heading for Bones? Had to have been a part.....wait. Did they just form an 'X' over the Senior Undersecretary? "Someone over there must've ticked someone off." You know, to provoke an attack in the open like this, with other people around to get hurt. Not to mention, pretty much the entire MLE around.

- end of Ministry 'orientation' here - feel free to declone if you wish ^_^

astronomizzle ♧ gryffinDORK| & the rest is drag ♣ #badluckDerf

Charles was simply going to count his blessings on the subject and remain poised on the outside while his insides were knotting up anxiously. Here. Of all places. They had done security sweep after security sweep and yet...

Shaking his head and not dwelling on that - for now, especially since the aurors had a handle on January - Charles clapped his hands together to make one final announcement as Minister for Magic at this little Ministry sponsored picnic.

"And thus ends this evening's festivities! Thank you one and all for coming and I look forward to another productive Ministry year!"

__________________

like a small boat on the ocean sending big waves into motion.............
like how a single word can make a heart open...................
I might only have one match but I can make an explosion.............

Angelo didn't let his shield drop until the dragon... the dragons dispersed. He watched the X marking above January, his expression unreadable. It seemed like many of the people there didn't even realise what had happened - to them it was just part of the show. His eyes searched out the Minister and he gave the older man a quick nod then stepped closer to the Undersecretary.

"I'm sorry to interrupt." A nod to the woman that January was with. "We need to go now, Ma'am." His wand was still out and it was staying out. They needed to go. He looked at Evie, trusting her to disapparate January out of there. He'd follow and make sure nobody else did.

It had been quiet for a while, so it makes sense that... whoever this was targeted now. Her brown eyes moved from Angelo's shield to Angelo's eyes, inspecting him for just a moment before stepping over to the Senior Undersecretary. Yes, it was time to go. The Auror offered her arm to the redhead, ready to disappear as soon as she held on.

The words of that YATI over there did not go unheard, though.

Perhaps it was a good thing that most of the people watching had no clue that the fireworks had had a target. That made the Senior Undersecretary feel a little better. She would have to check in with her new friend later, though, because she agreed with the auror - it was time to go. She gave Mariana a tense smile and then stepped away, looping her arm through the young Auror's. Then she gave the Minister one last look before they disapparated.

Angelo glanced around again and then, noticing some ash from the fireworks dragon, summoned it into a conjured jar without touching it. He waited long enough to be sure nobody followed in Evie and January's wake, then he disapparated himself.

Oliver had plans for today. Plans involving Dragomir. And plans involving his boyfriend were always the best plans. Most of Oliver's plans did tend to involve him because, well, why would he be interested in anything that wasn't with Dragomir?

His plans today also involved a picnic basket, a picnic blanket, and a nice patch of grass in the shade of a tree. He'd told Dragomir to meet him there for lunch, during a time when they were both free from their various activities or jobs and whatnot. He was more excited about the picnic than he should be. It wasn't like he didn't see Dragomir all the time. They did live together. But any opportunity to see his boyfriend was an exciting one. He set about laying out the picnic blanket as he waited for him to arrive.

Dawn was really super-duper-super excited because she had just been awarded her green belt and that was super-ultra-mega amazing.

The seven year-old knew, though, that it would be a little strange to walk around with her belt around her waist when she wasn't training. So, to make a point, she asked her mum if she could wear her outfit when they went out that day because she wanted everybody to know she was really good at what she did, mhm.

She really was!

Her mum said she was meeting up with someone-or-the-other at the park that day, so Dawn wanted to tag alone for the above mentioned reason. She'd make the most of the time to also practice some of her forms and moves and kicks and punches on whomever crossed her way or willingly joined her.

And so she started as soon as she was a few metres away from her mother.

elephant-astic•wanderlust•stay in the ninedaaaysthe original Taco Belle•look at the flowers✿

It was an impressively warm day, the kind that begged you to take your shoes off and curl your toes in the grass while you let the warmth from the sun warm you from your head right down to your feet. After checking on some of the more notorious plants in her care, Mariana decided to take advantage of such a day, grabbing her lunch and heading off to the park. It was close enough that she could take her time eating, enjoy the scenery and unwind, and she planned to do just that.

Selecting a spot by a gorgeous old tree, the botanist slipped out of her shoes and made herself comfortable in the grass, pulling an apple from her lunch bag and taking a thoughtful bite.

It was an impressively warm day, the kind that begged you to take your shoes off and curl your toes in the grass while you let the warmth from the sun warm you from your head right down to your feet. After checking on some of the more notorious plants in her care, Mariana decided to take advantage of such a day, grabbing her lunch and heading off to the park. It was close enough that she could take her time eating, enjoy the scenery and unwind, and she planned to do just that.

Selecting a spot by a gorgeous old tree, the botanist slipped out of her shoes and made herself comfortable in the grass, pulling an apple from her lunch bag and taking a thoughtful bite.

It seemed great minds truly did think alike.

Quentin, having spent the better part of his morning wrangling two venomous tentacula from one another was quite pleased as he made his way through St. James Park. It was a wonderfully warm day, bright and clean as a peeled mango- which, funnily enough, happened to be the best part of the young man's lunch. He had packed it himself last night, along with the other meals for the week, and the mango was a nothing short of a special treat to lift up Quentin Alvay's slightly stressed spirits.

He took in a great deep breath filling up his lungs with London's excuse for clean air as he searched for the perfect spot to enjoy his meal and the Park itself. The son of Durm hadn't the slightest idea why not more of his colleagues opted to spend their lunch breaks out here, perhaps it was the muggle component, now that he could understand for no matter how long he spent among the non-magical sect he never quite felt at ease.

Pushing his sunglasses higher up the bridge of his elegant nose, Quentin was struck with the sight of a very familiar face. "Medina!" Q hailed out, he had been just about to pass her tree- to think of it. "Looks like we had about the same of it today." He added, gesturing first to the park and all its glory, then to his lunch, and then finally to Mariana's apple.

elephant-astic•wanderlust•stay in the ninedaaaysthe original Taco Belle•look at the flowers✿

SPOILER!!: Q

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicole black

It seemed great minds truly did think alike.

Quentin, having spent the better part of his morning wrangling two venomous tentacula from one another was quite pleased as he made his way through St. James Park. It was a wonderfully warm day, bright and clean as a peeled mango- which, funnily enough, happened to be the best part of the young man's lunch. He had packed it himself last night, along with the other meals for the week, and the mango was a nothing short of a special treat to lift up Quentin Alvay's slightly stressed spirits.

He took in a great deep breath filling up his lungs with London's excuse for clean air as he searched for the perfect spot to enjoy his meal and the Park itself. The son of Durm hadn't the slightest idea why not more of his colleagues opted to spend their lunch breaks out here, perhaps it was the muggle component, now that he could understand for no matter how long he spent among the non-magical sect he never quite felt at ease.

Pushing his sunglasses higher up the bridge of his elegant nose, Quentin was struck with the sight of a very familiar face. "Medina!" Q hailed out, he had been just about to pass her tree- to think of it. "Looks like we had about the same of it today." He added, gesturing first to the park and all its glory, then to his lunch, and then finally to Mariana's apple.

"Great minds." The brunette offered her coworker a grin and patted the ground beside her, thinking some company would be nice. "Too beautiful a day to stay inside. Since the whole mist thing, I've been taking advantage of every moment of sunshine I can get." Because honestly, for a few moments there at that school, Mariana thought she might not see the sun again. She was lucky that wasn't the case. They all were.

"How've you been?" Outside of their day to day, Mariana didn't always get a chance to catch up with the other botanists and that seemed like something she should do more of, too.

"Great minds." The brunette offered her coworker a grin and patted the ground beside her, thinking some company would be nice. "Too beautiful a day to stay inside. Since the whole mist thing, I've been taking advantage of every moment of sunshine I can get." Because honestly, for a few moments there at that school, Mariana thought she might not see the sun again. She was lucky that wasn't the case. They all were.

"How've you been?" Outside of their day to day, Mariana didn't always get a chance to catch up with the other botanists and that seemed like something she should do more of, too.

Mariana was interesting. She held herself with an effortless dignity that had made it easy for Quentin to respect her, but more than that- After the mist, he had come to see the young woman as a true ally. Despite all this, the young man paused and considered the invitation for the smallest of moments, before settling down beside his fellow botanist. "I must agree," Q said, though he was sure she could have guessed as much from the fact he was even out here. Stretching out his long legs, Q made himself comfortable as he opened up his cardboard lunchbox and began pulling from an assortment of items much too big for the box frame. A large, ripened mango. A brilliantly red thermos. A small chocolate bar. a cold chicken salad sandwich wrapped in sandwich paper, and a bag of veggie chips. Well balanced? Q liked to think so.

"I've been just fine, nothing a good dose of dreamless sleep potion can't take care of." Q cheerfully replied, hoping to convince not only Mariana Medina but himself in the bargain. "And yourself? How have you been getting on?" His tone was casual, but certainly skirting around the larger issue here.

elephant-astic•wanderlust•stay in the ninedaaaysthe original Taco Belle•look at the flowers✿

SPOILER!!: Q

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicole black

Mariana was interesting. She held herself with an effortless dignity that had made it easy for Quentin to respect her, but more than that- After the mist, he had come to see the young woman as a true ally. Despite all this, the young man paused and considered the invitation for the smallest of moments, before settling down beside his fellow botanist. "I must agree," Q said, though he was sure she could have guessed as much from the fact he was even out here. Stretching out his long legs, Q made himself comfortable as he opened up his cardboard lunchbox and began pulling from an assortment of items much too big for the box frame. A large, ripened mango. A brilliantly red thermos. A small chocolate bar. a cold chicken salad sandwich wrapped in sandwich paper, and a bag of veggie chips. Well balanced? Q liked to think so.

"I've been just fine, nothing a good dose of dreamless sleep potion can't take care of." Q cheerfully replied, hoping to convince not only Mariana Medina but himself in the bargain. "And yourself? How have you been getting on?" His tone was casual, but certainly skirting around the larger issue here.

Mariana watched Quentin curiously, noting his lunch. Each addition representing both the various food groups they belonged to, and him as an individual. Healthy, attractive, balanced. It amused her very much, her own green apple, granola, and yogurt combination seeming lackluster in comparison. She took another bite of her apple, quelling the grin that so desperately wanted to break free.

She'd been given the dreamless sleep potion too, a healer suggesting it'd help with the trauma she'd experienced, like she only saw those awful visions in the dark. The events replayed in her head often and without warning, unfortunately. For her, she decided against trying to hold them back. The sooner she dealt with her feelings on the subject, the sooner she could get back to normal, whatever that meant for her these days. "I feel a bit like a little kid again, honestly. Like everything I thought I knew might not be so certain..." She paused, and then scooted so that she was facing him head-on. "It bothers me that we couldn't figure out what was causing the mist. Our area of expertise or not, I wanted to help. The fact that I couldn't is hard to swallow."

Being forced away from their trees was one thing, but the little Bowtruckles were certain they would find a new play to call home and after jumping from different trees and not finding the right fit for one reason or the next they found a few nice trees to climb and some yummy wood lice to eat.

This place seemed to fit what they needed for now so they made themselves at home.